Game in a nutshell: With the Braves off for the day, the Nationals came into Monday with a chance to create some separation. The game was tied at one until the fourth inning when the Nationals exploded with six runs. They then added two in the fifth inning off a two-RBI double by Kurt Suzuki to go up 9-1. Three more runs scored in the bottom of the eighth completed the 12-run day. Jordan Zimmermann pitched in with two hits and an RBI along with 6 2/3 innings with just one earned run allowed.

Hitting highlight: The Nationals blew the game open thanks to some two-out hitting in the fourth inning. Roger Bernadina started the rally by reaching first on a fielder’s choice. He was then moved to second on a Kurt Suzuki single. Zimmermann scored Bernadina on his second hit of the day and then both the pitcher and catcher came home on a fly ball to center by Jayson Werth. Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez lost the ball in the sun and disaster for Milwaukee ensued. Bryce Harper joined Werth on base with a walk and then both were batted in on a three-run homer by Ryan Zimmerman, his 24th of the season.Read more »

Get in line, Jane! There's a ton of alcolades that need to be spread around. No, seriously, what a great year for Desi. And he's still getting better. Imagine the numbers he'd hae if it wasn't for the time that he would have had if not for the injury!

Dryw, the sun seems to be shining still and the earth is turning. So yeah, I guess the world's not ending just yet. Great win by the Nats. (I'm just sorry we weren't there to spell out N-A-T-S twelve times.)I gotta go back and look at Nats Lady's analysis to see how this win changes things. Every win is another step forward.And I suppose we all need to become Marlins fans overnight. May the same Fish that attacked the Nats go after the Braves as well.

Looking forward to Fish/Braves tomorrow nite. Here's hoping Eovaldi can duplicate his start last Tuesday when he threw 8 shutout innings against the Braves. He'll have to because he'sgoing up against Medlen.

Ghost Of Steve M. said… If the Cards sweep Houston and the Nats sweep the Phillies, game over for the Phools. September 24, 2012 5:00 PM __________________________________I was hoping the Nats would clinch the Division in Philly and elimate them at the same time

I believe the Phillies Tragic Number is 5. Next best thing to the Nats clinching there would be the Nats knocking the Phillies out during that series. :-)Ghost Of Steve M. said… If the Cards sweep Houston and the Nats sweep the Phillies, game over for the Phools. September 24, 2012 5:00 PM

natsfan1a said… Great minds and all that, Gonat."I was hoping the Nats would clinch the Division in Philly and elimate them at the same time." September 24, 2012 5:10 PM ___________________________________All smiles here!

natsfan1a said… So, do we root for the Cardinals tonight? September 24, 2012 5:13 PM _________________________________Great question. I think so because after their 3 game series with Houston its the Nats over the weekend and you hope Matheny eases off where Davey can ease off and cruise into the playoffs.

natsfan1a said… I believe the Phillies Tragic Number is 5. Next best thing to the Nats clinching there would be the Nats knocking the Phillies out during that series. What if it happened the same game?!! How cool would that be?!I distinctly remember the Phils celebrating their hearts out (deservedly so) for clinching a spot against the Nats recently (last year? the year before?) — and some commentator (perhaps the announcers? someone – perhaps a Nats player) musing that: this is good that the Nats have to be there and see it, that it should leave a bad taste in their mouth, and they should learn what it takes to be on the other side, and someday it would happen.Who (besides Davey) knew it'd happen so soon? And for it to happen against Phillie would be story-book material.

Medlin (so they say on the radio) is getting lined up to play the play-in game. So, if the Nats take the first seed — they will not be facing Medlin in the first game. He's the only pitcher on the Braves that totally scares me.

Who to root for: a guideAfter giving it some thought, it finally occurred to me who to root for in other games: you root for whatever result might extend the season for the other teams.So, in the race for the wildcard, if team A and team B are both in it, and they play each other: you root for the lower team. If team C and team D are playing, and only C has a chance at the playoffs: you root for C if they are behind in the race, and root for D if C is ahead in the race. (I hope that makes sense — I'll give examples in my next post)Why?The longer their season goes — the less of a chance they have to "set up" their starting rotation for the playoffs.The best possible situation for the Nats is if the last playoff spot doesn't get decided until the last day of the season. Can you imagine if, say, a team has to burn their best pitchers and their relievers on the last day of the season; then burn their #2 and use their top relievers again for the play-in game — and, if they win, they start the playoffs using their #3 pitcher, and relievers who have just pitched high pressure situations two games in a row?

OK — following my last post, I can make it simple:Always root for Atlanta and St. Louis to lose, no matter who they are playing. The only exception is if some team passes them in the standings, then start rooting against that team.So, root for Pitts over NYMets; Miami over Atlanta; Houston over St. Louis; LA over SD; Ariz. over ColoradoMake sense?BTW, Phil Wood says that some guy emailed him and explained that it is mathematically possible, still, for there to be a seven-way tie for the second wildcard in the AL!

Atlanta will go 8-2 or 7-3…Honestly, I'm not sure the Braves have it in them to keep up this pace, nor is it really in their best interests at this point. Since July 4, they have played exceptional baseball, going 46-26 (.639). The problem for them is the Nats have gone 46-28, so they've gained all of one game on us. At a certain point, you have to think either by design or exhaustion they will accept their fate for this year of being a very successful team, but not a Division winner, and start getting ready for the playoffs. They are 9 games ahead of the Dodgers, really close to clinching a Wild Card berth. Once they've clinched, why would they pull out all the stops trying to catch the Nats? While I think they are fully capable of going 8-2 against the Marlins, Mets, and Pirates, I'll bet they ease up on the gas just a bit in order to be ready to make a run in October, and drop a few more games. We've got this folks.

At a certain point, you have to think either by design or exhaustion they will accept their fate for this year of being a very successful team, but not a Division winner, and start getting ready for the playoffs.Exactly. And that's the responsible thing for them to do, frankly.And they are doing it already. Someone on the radio mentioned that Medlin is going to pitch one of his remaining games on three days rest so that he will be on four-days rest for the play-in game. That's the smart play for them.

there is such a huge adavntage to winning the division you have to go for it regardless of the odds.Not if it burns you out for your own playoff chances as Wild Card. If it were completely within their power to win the division, maybe. But it's not. If the Braves go 9-0 in their remaining games, the Nats would just have to win 5 of 9 to win the Division. The Braves' odds of taking the Division are now so small and their lead for one of the WC spots is so big that they have to turn to getting ready for that game.

peric said… I'm not sure but I think the other end of the last double header, John Lannan, pitches tomorrow … better double check there Chase. September 24, 2012 5:58 PM ____________________________________Davey changed it to Detwiler tomorrow. I don't think that's a good idea but Davey doesn't care what I think.

“You look at their lineup, you look at what Werth is doing. I know he’s a scary hitter because he can drive the ball, but he’s got like a .395 on-base percentage. If you go through the league and look at lead-off men, there aren’t that many guys that can do that. He’s doing that and driving the ball with power. That’s really good.”Exactly what I was saying about Werth … as long as he maintains the right attitude (as opposed to the one he had under Riggleman ) about leading off … he is far-and-away a better choice than Bourn, Eury Perez and why Davey liked Corey Brown in that role which he filled quite well for most of the year in Syracuse.They don't need a swat/slap hitter like Morgan or Perez leading off … a dangerous, high OBP hitter is always better and that's one Rizzo and his FO should have looked up in the stats by now.

Actually, Ghost, he wanted him as a backup catcher if I remember correctly. :-)Det would be going on regular rest if he pitches tomorrow (he last pitched on Thursday 9/20), and if Davey is going to go with E-Jax, JZnn, and Wang against the Cards, that also sets Det up to pitch the first game against the Phils at Nats Park on one extra day's rest.

Sorry to disagree w/ Peric (and it's sometimes dangerous) but I think there's a dearth of starters, not relievers.Why? You laid out a pretty solid analysis Theophilus? And if Davey said it he said it. And I did hear him say he felt he was short starting pitching … but Davey doesn't look too far down the road … at least not until the off season and spring training. Then he definitely will. And what will he find?Nate Karns likely AA bound but in AAA pretty quickly. Minor League pitcher of the year. Ryan Perry probably was the 2nd best. Another converted reliever. He will be back in ST. Alex Meyer looks like he will be ready for AA/AAA next season. His progress has been rapid.There are some guys like Jeff Mandel, who had an outstanding year as a starter in AAA. I suspect they'll bring back Zach Duke to cover them on the left side. The top left=handed prospects, Matt Purke and Sammy Solis will likely be in rehab years. Robbie Ray still looks a ways away. Danny Rosenbaum will likely be in AAA Syracuse next season. And he too has been minor league pitcher of the year.And now they're adding Christian Garcia who, until this year, was a starter in the Yankees system. That's at least five starters for AAA with Tanner Roark, Trevor Holder, Kevin Pucetas, and Ryan Tatusko they have some additional emergency depth in AAA/AA Harrisburg. Now let's talk relievers. Making Garcia a starter means Henry Rodriguez will be back. Looking at AAA Syracuse no one stands out. No one looks ready. With Clippard and Burnett starting to have arm issues I believe this is a concern that must be addressed in the off season.

Det is gonna have the game if his lifetime SO FAR, tomorrow, That's wht I predict. I knw the Phills are going down. It would be sweet retribution for their demise and our clinch to happen simultaneously, but that would be a movie. I do remember the commentators saying it wold be good for the Nats to see the Phils clinch. It made my stomach turn at the time, but I hope FP was right )or whomever it was). I want my guys to go the whooooole way. And I know I'm not alone.

Peric, you are lying.thru your teeth on Werth. Better to say nothing. You wanted him on the bench.Only because I remembered how much he hated leading off last season? Davey moved him out of that slot for that reason when he took over from Riggleman?C'mon, dude you are acting like a Bandwagon fan who has been watching this team for 3 weeks now because they are winning? Bandwagon Ghost?I always liked Werth in the #1/#2 spot because of his OBP. From last season. But if he hates the job and must always hit in the heart of the order. Have you looked at his ISO? He's NOT getting younger that isn't going to change.

Peric: you might have just changed you mind about Werth but only a month ago you had him relegated to the bench! Just another example of how you will never say whoops, misjudged that one. But I have had my nap and am well rested so things are good.Actually, I have not had a nap but spent a pleasant day watching the lads pound a good Brewers team. I have been able to get wings the last 3 games I have been too!!He only pitched to one batter but I liked seeing Burnett back. I continue to marvel at Harper on the bases. He makes me nervous and I am up in 308. That first run came across with the ball never making it out of the infield until the catcher threw it there.When Werth hit the fly ball I screamed, "you owe us one" and damned if it didn't happen. People around me gave me credit but we all know its just the luck of the game.OK, just need to have the pitchers who will be pitching in the playoffs keep doing what they are doing now. Gio was super, Zimmnn was strong, EJax was good and Det cruised his last start. We get four more good performances from these guys and even if we don't win all 4 games, I will start to breath even easier. They are the key to us going far in this thing.Go Nats!!! Score First!! Win the Division!!

Isn't Burnett a free agent. So whether or not he has arm issues, he probably won't be with us next season, and the same for Gorzy. Mike Gonzalez might, though, as I don't know where he will find a better landing place at his age. Anyway, we will be short on LH relievers. It will be interesting to see if Duke stays in the BP.Remembering how burnt out Kimbrell was at the end of last season and how great he has been this year, I'll worry about Clip's arm next spring.

Section222, backup catcher at best in Peric's master plan. I can't stand when he flat out lies. And I can't stand contextual morality types like Ghosty boy. Look I'm not the only one who thought that Werth would not take to leading off. Not because he didn't have the skill, but because of the disdain he showed for that slot last season.I can't stand Ghosts who become Bandwagon fans with Tony Kornheiser driving …

Atlanta has approx. 1% chance of the Division. I agree it's a much greater prize, but they are doing the prudent thing in setting up for the coin-toss game. Get Medlen ready, make sure Chipper is OK, etc.

Remembering how burnt out Kimbrell was at the end of last season and how great he has been this year, I'll worry about Clip's arm next spring. He's had to endure a lot of heavy use … by Riggleman. He's got the heart but … If they non-tender Gorzo it will be because they're bringing Duke in to replace him. Yes, I agree Burnett is likely gone. I'm not sure Michael Rodriguez replaces him. A trade or trades seem the likely scenario.

I am going to enjoy the rest of 2012, but since we are looking ahead, imagine if Hrod can get it together in the Spring. One could envision the 7, 8 and 9 innings pitch by Hrod, Clip and Drew. That would be very deadly, lol

No Peric, you are not the only one who was down on Werth but you were Constantly down on him and never let up. Its what you do here. And that is fine, its your opinion. What bothers me is when you are wrong, you just can't stand to admit it and now coming out and saying you have always liked Werth at the #1 or 2 spot is ridiculous. You called him a bench player for over a month. Just once, say you misjudged something and move on. You have decent analysis and have been less vitrol lately but ghost and 222 have you nailed on this. Its not about morals either, this is just a baseball blog. Enjoy it like we do or go root for the O's like you ask so many others to do.

Peric: you might have just changed you mind about Werth but only a month ago you had him relegated to the bench! And if he had exhibited the same disdain for leading off that as he did under Riggleman? Where would you put him? Where exactly?He's in the perfect spot, and actually seems to be reveling in it! Yes, that surprised me! It actually great to see because I like Werth and his skills there far more than silly Bourn! Thank god for Davey and his attitude change. He actually helps his protege behind him more than ever before by hitting in front of him.Yes, completely unexpected. And key to the late season surge.

Mick – add Garcia to that mix and it gets even sweeter, plus Matheus has done nothing but impress me this year. We have a plethora of talent out in that bullpen. I do agree with Peric that there are not a bunch of lefties though.

If Atlanta wins the coin-toss game and lines up their rotation for the next series, they start with 2 home games and that stupid chop–and a lot of motivation because of Chipper. It's not the worst situation in the world. You have to give Medlen pretty good odds against whoever the Cards/Dodgers/Brewers can throw out there.

Peric – I do agree that Werth has lost his power and the 5 homeruns and under 30 rbi's seem to be a good example. His obp though is just through the roof and it is the perfect place for him. Where I would never have put him though was on the bench. He does so much for this team is so many small ways that we as fans can't even see.

You called him a bench player for over a month. Because of his attitude last season. And from many perspectives even when everything else around you is out of your control (losing, Riggleman, etc) you can always control you attitude.And for 126 million dollars Jayson Werth should have found a way to control his last season. Because I liked him at lead off last season because he was able to get on base better than any other hitter.

NatsLady – way back I talked about maybe getting the 2nd seed as a good thing because you could set your rotation and your travel in advance. I have not changed my mind on that. I do not want to play St. Louis or Atl in that first series. I realize if we are in the playoffs, everyone is a big boy and it will be tough but to me, San Francisco is my choice, even with Lincecum coming around.

is a big boy and it will be tough but to me, San Francisco is my choice, even with Lincecum coming around.Given how easily they handled the Giants in the regular season including a sweep on the road? There's no denying that logic.However, they would eventually have to meet one of those teams later on …

This is my last comment on Werth. His attitude is one huge reason we are where we are right now!!!Last year he changed a culture of losing into one of winning. Nyjer – Gone Riggs – GoneWerth had a miserable season, he performed poorly in his first year of a huge contract away from the team he had had great success with. Did he pout? No. Did he continue to hustle, no matter how badly he was hitting? – Yes. So, in my opinion, and I realize I will never change yours – Werth's attitude last year was just as good as it is this year. He is mentoring our future star and leading by words and example.I will see everyone tomorrow!! (in imaginary land of course)

Gonat.. I think Davey has Gio going Thursday against the phillies.SJM.. I get wings tooo! Also remember everyone NATS50 tomorrow on papajohns.com.Peric, Werth volunteered to lead off last year. He moved around to any spot in the lineup and never complained about it. We know you will never admit you were wrong about anything (see Perry starting on Sunday), so expect it when people call you out on stuff.

SJM.. Werth's power is fine. He is doing what he is asked to do as a leadoff hitter.. That's get on base any way possible. Somewhere in the game thread there was a Ron Reonicke quote about how much of a threat Werth is as the Leadoff hitter. Comments about Power, good speed and OBP.

This is my last comment on Werth. His attitude is one huge reason we are where we are right now!!!I will only add one caveat that you will likely never agree with. This truly occurred ONLY after he agreed to bat leadoff. Then Harper's hitting suddenly came around. He even started using his lede-in song to bring the crowd into things. This didn't happen last year. It didn't happen at the beginning of this year.It all happened when he accepted, embraced, and became, in my opinion, the best lead-off hitter in baseball right now.

SJM.. Werth's power is fine. He is doing what he is asked to do as a leadoff hitter… Davey likes power hitters in the lead-off spot. Remember Brady Anderson? Guess who managed him the last time they did anything in B-more? Werth is not restricted from hitting for power. And he still has it. Its just not what it used to be and not as good as Desmond and Espinosa have at this point. With Zim, Morse, and LaRoche in the heart plus those two … and with Harper developing into a 20/20 + hitter?

(see Perry starting on Sunday), so expect it when people call you out on stuff. Actually I did. The first comment said that Natslady was dead on about CMW starting. The first comment on the next blog post? You know Michelle its this gang up on people mentality that makes me wonder about your maturity level. Too many of you act like you are in junior high in a clique … all sitting together in the lunch room cafeteria except it happens to be at a Nats game.I'll take the ushers you all love to bash all the time.

mick said… did you all hear the boos for Nyjer today…. brutal September 24, 2012 6:52 PM ____________________________________Plus, he is just a bench guy exclusively now. Like he did in DC, started off like a champ and quickly turned into the chump.

Plus, he is just a bench guy exclusively now. Like he did in DC, started off like a champ and quickly turned into the chump.He started late. The Nats got him when he turned 31 I believe. How old does that make him now? And he is nothing more than a singles hitter with speed. I think that's what typically happens when you get past a certain age and your name isn't Pujols.

MicheleS said… Peric, if you let me know the next time you are at Nats Park I would be happy to buy you a beverage of your choice and we can discuss Werth at length. September 24, 2012 7:11 PM _____________________________________What happened to you buying me a beverage? LOL Is it because I already had 1 too many by the time you saw me?

It all happened when he accepted, embraced, and became, in my opinion, the best lead-off hitter in baseball right now.Accepted it? He suggested it to Davey.I'm glad you've changed your mind on this. Even though you won't admit that you have.July 24: Werth is a bench bat…July 29: Another case where the signing of Werth HURT and did not help… Werth == bench bat. on July 30 you suggested that Werth might save himself from being a bench player by converting to catching.Jul 31: Many other teams are dumping guys younger than Werth…" … He doesn't do well under pressure as we observed last year.Aug 12: As I said I bet that's the likely last Werth will see of CF he will be sitting more oftenWow — google's got an amazing memory!

I mean to add, peric — but the fact that you've come around is nice.On to another topic:Tuesda Sept 25@Phillie DetwilerWednesd Sept 26@Phillie LannanThursda Sept 27@Phillie Gio GonzalezFriday Sept 28@StLouis Edwin JacksonSaturda Sept 29@StLouis Wang or JZimSunday Sept 30@StLouis JZim or WangMonday Oct. 1 Phillie DetwilerTuesda Oct. 2 Phillie LannanWed Oct. 3 Phillie Duke (?)Thursday Oct. 4 Off-DayFriday Oct. 5 WILD CARD TBDSat Oct. 6 3rd Div winner play @ 2nd Div WinnerSunday Oct. 7 Best record team plays @ Wild CardIf this is correct — how many days will it be between starts for Gio and JZim until Oct 6 or 7? Would it make sense to pitch Gio for, say, a 3 inning start on Sept 1 or 2 so as to keep his rhythm?Sheesh — it's been so long since a team that I've followed closely has been in post-season, that I can't remember how teams line up their starters for post-season in situations like this!!

Burnett is not a FA, exactly. There's a mutual option for $3.5, which is pretty good money for a set-up guy, recently a LOOGY. And I don't think Burnett has any illusions about being a closer. The Nats will quickly pick up their half of the ticket.Werth has not lost his power. First, his wrist is still mending, muscles down his arm rebuilding. Second, he is doing his job as a lead-off man, looking at a lot of pitches, hitting to the opposite fielding, etc. Next year he will be a 20+ HR guy, again.I think Peric has part of the story right. I don't think he agreed with Riggelman that he was a L/O hitter. And in that lineup last year, he might really have helped more as the #5, except that he was having a really lousy year. Mostly I think he disagreed w/ Riggelman moving him all over the lineup. I think he hit everywhere from 1 to 7. (Might even have batted 8th once.) He was probably telling everybody who would listen — Rizzo and up included — "Put me in one damn place and leave me there!"This is the year of Davey Johnson, where everyone knows his role, everyone has his place in the batting order, and everyone stays there.